DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON OFFICE FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Curriculum Outcomes/Religious Education At this level, Catholic School and Religious Education children will be presented with the following beliefs and practices and at the conclusion of this level demonstrate a knowledge of these beliefs and an understanding of how these practices are integral to living out the Catholic faith in a manner appropriate for their age and ability. The following curriculum guidelines are categorized within the Fundamental tasks of catechesis: helping to know, to celebrate and to contemplate the mystery of Christ. (GDC 85-86; NDC pp. 59-63) Key Concepts 1 Knowledge of the Faith 2 Liturgical Education 3 Moral Formation 4 Teaching to Pray 5 Education for Community Life 6 Missionary Initiation 1
Before you begin Review Review Key the Ten Commandments given to the Israelites by God Concepts from two great Commandments given to us by Jesus Previous Grade Beatitudes from the New Testament Level spiritual and corporal works of mercy (listed in Grade Four) the precepts of the Church the Holy Spirit guides the Church and all Catholics in their daily life the Eucharist is the central prayer of the Church Catholics participate in Mass each Sunday Catholics celebrate the sacrament of Penance regularly at least once a year Sacred Scripture is God s written word and with the Church s tradition helps us to become disciples of Jesus the four Gospels occupy a central place in the Scriptures because Jesus Christ is their center sin and evil are the result of Original Sin and its consequences mortal sin is a total break in our relationship with God and the church venial sin is a less serious offense but one that weakens our relationship with self, God and others 2
Key Concepts Children being will: 1. Knowledge of the Faith Catechesis gives believers a knowledge of the content of God s self-revelation which is found in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition and helps them know and understand the mysteries of the faith we proclaim in the Creed. (cf. NDC p.60) a. know that Revelation is God making Himself and his loving plan of salvation known to us (CCC 50-53) b. realize that God s Revelation took centuries to unfold beginning with the creation of the world and ending with the death of the last Apostle; during this period of time God gradually communicated Himself to us by words and deeds (CCC 53, 76) c. understand that God s Revelation comes to us by both Scripture (the sacred writings of the Old and New Testament) and Tradition (those teachings and truths passed down to us from antiquity from what Christ taught and revealed to his Apostles); this type of Revelation is known as Divine Revelation as it comes from God (CCC 74-75) d. understand that God continued to abide with mankind even after the Fall of man; He did this by establishing covenants between Himself and mankind: first with Noah, then with Abraham and then most significantly with Moses through whom Divine Law was given to his chosen people in the form of the Ten Commandments, as the focal point of that Covenant (CCC 54-58) e. realize that God continued to reveal Himself through the prophets who made known the coming of a Messiah who would bring the salvation for mankind (CCC 62-64) f. recognize that the fullness of God s revelation came in the person of Jesus Christ, God s Son; all that God wished to reveal was made known in Christ (CCC 65) g. know that Jesus, the second Person of the Holy Trinity, is God the Father s gift and sign of his love for the world (CCC 516, 535) h. understand that Jesus always did what was pleasing to the Father and presents himself as our model of holiness (CCC 520, 1693) i. know that the whole of Christ s life continually teaches us: his birth, hidden years, public life, the mysteries of his death, resurrection, ascension, his prayer, his love of people (CCC see 521 especially the quote of St. John Eudes, and also 561) j. recognize that God gives us the gift of grace which is a participation in the life of God (CCC 1996-1997) 3
will: k. know that the grace of Christ heals us of sin and sanctifies us (CCC 1999) l. know that Christ established and sustains here on earth his holy Church, the community of faith, hope, and charity, through which he communicates truth and grace to all humankind through his Holy Spirit (CCC 771) m. realize that the liturgical life of the Church revolves around seven sacraments all instituted by Christ, these sacraments give grace through the work of the Holy Spirit and are: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony (CCC 774, 1113-1116, 1131) n. know that the sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us (CCC 1131) o. understand that in celebrating the sacraments, the Church uses word and symbol taking us from the visible to the invisible from the sign to the thing signified, from the sacrament to the mysteries (CCC 1075) p. know that Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are sacraments of initiation and join us to Christ and his Church (CCC 1212, 1322, 1533) q. know that Baptism, through water, word and the Holy Spirit, frees us from sin, and we are reborn as sons and daughters of God (CCC 1213) r. understand that Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit and gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ (CCC 1302) s. recognize that the Eucharist is the principal sacrament, and contains the spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself present in the Assembly, the Priest, the Word, and in a unique way in the Eucharist (CCC 1324, 1396, 1407) t. realize that in the sacrament of Penance we receive God s forgiveness, an absolution of our sins and a reunion between us and God and the Church (CCC 1422-1424,1449,1462) u. know that the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick brings the healing power and forgiveness of Christ to the seriously ill or elderly (CCC 1499,1514) v. understand that the sacrament of Matrimony is a celebration of life-long love and commitment between one man and one woman and is directed toward the salvation of others (CCC 1534,1601,1604,1643,1660) w. recognize that the sacrament of marriage has, at its core, faithful married love open to new life and that sexual intercourse is a special act of love intended for husbands and wives (CCC 2335) x. recognize that the sacrament of Holy Orders is a permanent sign of Christ s presence, a primary means of the sacramental pres- 4
will: ence of Christ and directed toward the salvation of others; specifically, Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry (CCC 1534,1536,1548-1549,1582-1583) y. understand that all of us are a priestly people and the people of God; All the faithful share in the priesthood of Christ; this participation is called the common priesthood of the faithful ; it is different than the ministerial priesthood (CCC 783-785, 880,1554, 1591) z. know that Mary, Mother of God is given special honor in the church, was preserved from sin by the Holy Spirit, is a model of holiness and a witness of faith (CCC 165, 273, 411, 2030) aa. realize that the Communion of Saints: (cf. Apostles Creed) those disciples on earth, those in heaven and the dead being purified are all part of the Church and united in Christ (CCC 954-959) bb. recognize that those who live faithful lives and who die in God s grace and friendship and are purified live forever with Christ in Heaven; they see God face to face (CCC 1023) cc. understand that Hell means being separated from God forever (CCC 1033, 1035-1037) dd. understand that Purgatory means the continuing journey after death of moving toward complete union with God forever; one is purified and made holy for life with God in Heaven (CCC 1030-1031) 2. Liturgical Education Christ is present in the sacraments. The believer comes to know Christ intimately in the liturgical celebrations of the Church. Christ s saving action in the Paschal Mystery is celebrated in the sacraments. This is especially true in regard to the Eucharist. Catholics experience the closest communion with Jesus on earth that is possible when they receive his living Body and his Precious Blood in Holy Communion. Catechesis should promote an active, conscious and genuine participation in the liturgy of the Church and an understanding of the doctrinal truths of the Creed which are its foundation. (cf. NDC p. 60) a. reflect, throughout this year, on a selection of the prayers from the Rites of Baptism and of Confirmation (cf. The Rites of the Catholic Church, Volume One p. 359 and p. 469) b. demonstrate the ability to approach the sacrament of Penance and seek forgiveness (CCC 1484) c. know that the Church professes that the Eucharist is: thanksgiving and praise to the Father 5
will: Note: for an explanation of Ordinary time go to web sites: blestarewe.com or webelieveweb.com the sacrificial memorial of Christ and his Body the re-presentation of Christ s suffering, death and resurrection the presence of Christ by the power of his word and of his Spirit (CCC 1357-1358) d. realize that Jesus is truly present under the appearance of bread and wine; once the consecration occurs, through transubstantiation the bread and wine are no more, only their appearance remain; what is present is Jesus Christ, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity (CCC 1357, 1413) e. know that at the Last Supper Jesus gave us himself in the Eucharist (CCC 1339) f. recognize that at Mass the Christian community gathers to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist (CCC 1346, 1348-1355) g. know that our Church teaches that the bread and wine, by the power of the Holy Spirit and by the words of the Priest become the Body and Blood of Christ who is really and mysteriously made present (CCC 1357-1358) h. reflect, throughout this year, on the Sunday readings and the prayers of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, also, tour the church to gain an understanding of vestments, sacred vessels, Book of the Gospels, Sacramentary, etc. (CCC 1346-1347) i. participate at Mass by e.g., attention to singing, responses, readings, signing at the Gospel, listening prayerfully to the Eucharistic prayer, saying the Our Father, joining in the sign of peace (CCC 2179) j. demonstrate the ability to receive Holy Communion reverently during Mass (CCC 1355) k. know that sacramentals are a blessing, an action, or an object that remind us of Christ s presence and love, e.g., holy water, oil, lighted candle, incense, blessed ashes and palm, rosary, stations of the cross and they dispose us to God s saving action in the sacraments (CCC 1667, 1670-1672) l. explain, in general, the liturgical year (CCC 1163-1171) m. understand the importance of the seasons of Advent and Christmas to our faith and worship (CCC 524, 525, 526) n. understand the importance of the season of Lent, the Easter Triduum and the Easter season to our faith and worship (CCC 540, 571-572, 1438, 1329) o. know that in Ordinary Time we learn the life of Jesus and how we may follow him (CCC 1100-1101) p. participate in celebrations that honor the religious and cultural heritage of the parish such as customs for saints days, special blessings for holidays and holydays (CCC 1204) 6
will: q. identify some feasts of Mary, the Mother of God, as they occur in the liturgical year, e.g., Nativity of Mary, September 8 Our Lady of the Rosary, October 7 Immaculate Conception, December 8 Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, December 12 Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, January 1 Annunciation of the Lord, March 25 Assumption, August 15 (CCC 490-493, 717, 966) r. identify the lives of some saints using especially the liturgical year, e.g., Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Archangels, September 29 St. Francis of Assisi, October 4 St. Martin De Porres, November 3 St. Andrew, Apostle, November 30 St. John Neumann, January 5 St. Francis De Sales, Patron/Diocese of Wilmington, January 24 St. Patrick, March 17 St. Joseph, March 19 Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, June 29 St. Maria Goretti, July 6 Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, July 14 St. Rose of Lima, August 30 (CCC 1195, 2030) s. recognize, through the liturgical year i.e., November 1, All Saints Day and November 2, All Souls Day, that the Communion of Saints includes the disciples on earth, those in Heaven and those in Purgatory (CCC 958-959) Children being will: 3. Moral Formation Catechesis must transmit the content of Christ s moral teachings and conform the believer to Christ through personal transformation and conversion. It should encourage the faithful to give witness to Christ and His Church s teaching in everyday life. As Catholics, we are called to carry the values of the Gospel and the luminous teaching of our Church into the public square. (cf. NDC p.61) a. know that human life is sacred, from its very beginning to its natural end, because it is a gift from God and all should have what they need to live (CCC1926, 2258) b. realize that life begins at conception and follows a life cycle from conception and birth until natural death (CCC 2258, 2270) 7
will: c. identify the Ten Commandments that guide our life and learn their meaning (CCC 2056-2057, pages 496-497 in CCC list the commandments as they appear in the Old Testament and give a traditional catechetical formula) d. know that conscience is a voice within our hearts where God has inscribed his law calling us to love and to choose to do what is good and avoid evil (CCC 1776) e. reazlize that the Church assists in forming our conscience in moral matters through its catechesis and preaching, the basis for this catechesis is the Ten Commandments which sets out the principles of moral life valid for all (CCC 2033) f. know that in the liturgy and the celebration of the sacraments, prayer and teaching are conjoined with the grace of Christ to enlighten and nourish our actions as Catholics (CCC 2031) g. recognize that the choices we make for good or evil have consequences for our life here and hereafter (CCC 1705-1709) h. realize that the practice of virtues help us to pursue what is good and choose to do good in concrete actions (CCC 1803) i. understand that the Theological Virtues of faith, hope and love (charity) are infused into the faithful in Baptism by God to make us capable of acting as God s children and being with God forever (CCC 1812-1813-a thorough explanation of each of these virtues may be found in the CCC 1814-1829) j. recognize that all human virtues are grouped around four Cardinal Virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance; these virtues help us to practice good deeds with God s help (CCC 1805-1810) k. understand that chastity and modesty flow from temperance and assist in integrating sexuality ( CCC 2337, 2521-2522) l. know that modesty shows respect for our own bodies and the bodies of others (CCC 2524) m. understand the love, respect and obedience children should show in the family and recognize the family as a place to learn forgiveness (CCC 1657, 2214-2220, 2227) 4. Teaching to Pray Conversion to Christ and communion with him lead the faithful to his disposition of prayer and reflection. Jesus entire life, death and Resurrection were an offering to the Father. The Our Father is the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray and the model of all Christian prayer. The handing on of the Our Father is a summary of the whole Gospel and a true act of catechesis. The most effective catechesis is permeated by a climate of prayer. (cf. NDC p. 61) 8
will: Note: See Appendices of this Curriculum and of Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. a. know that prayer is a gift from God, a relationship with God and that the life of prayer is the habit of being in God s presence and in communion with him (CCC 2559, 2564-2565) b. understand in general, different forms of prayer: adoration (blessing) (CCC 2628) supplication (petition, intercession, contrition) (CCC 2629, 2631, 2634) thanksgiving (gratitude) (CCC 2637) praise (CCC 2639) c. know the special place that the Our Father has in the prayer of the Church e.g., the Eucharistic Liturgy, other sacraments and locate this prayer in the New Testament, Luke 11:2-4; Matthew 6:9-13; (CCC 2773-2776; see also The Rites of the Catholic Church, Volumes I, II, to find the Our Father in e.g., the Rites of Baptism and Confirmation) d. understand that there are many other prayers (in addition to the Our Father) in the Bible and be able to find them e.g., The Lord is My Shepherd, Psalm 23:1-6 Psalms 96 and 98 The Canticle of Mary, Luke 1: 46-56 The Canticle of Zechariah, Luke 1:67-79 The Prayer of Jesus, John 17 (select some verses from 1-26) e. realize that when we pray we may use the prayers of the Church, prayers from the Bible, prayers that the saints wrote or we may pray in our own words using the words that are in our heart, Galatians 4:6 ( CCC 2656-2658; NDC p.111-113) f. understand that Mary, in her prayer, is an example to us as she offers her whole being in faith especially in her fiat ( her acceptance of God s design for salvation through the message of the angel at the Annunciation) and her Magnificat (CCC 2617-2622) g. learn/review the following prayers. The Church teaches: The memorization of basic prayers offers an essential support to the life of prayer, but it is important to help learners savor their meaning (CCC 2688) Sign of the Cross Our Father Hail Mary Glory Be Act of Contrition Apostles Creed Nicene Creed Acts of Faith, Hope and Love Grace before and after meals Morning and night prayer Rosary Stations of the Cross 9
will: 5. Education for Community Life Jesus said to his disciples: Love one another as I have loved you. (John 13:34) This command guides the disciple s life in the Catholic Church and global community. Catechesis should encourage: a) an apprenticeship in Catholic living b) a spirit of simplicity and humility c) special concern for the poor d) care for the alienated and the immigrant stranger e) fraternal correction and love f) common prayer and g) mutual forgiveness. Members of the Body of Christ receive special graces and gifts to help build up the Church. Ecumenical charity and sensitivity as well as a zeal for unity among Christians are emphasized. (cf. NDC pp. 61-62) a. know that Jesus commands us to love God and love our neighbor, John 13:34-35 b. understand that other Christian denominations share elements of faith with Catholicism, among them: Baptism; devotion to the word of God; the practice of charity (CCC 818-819) realize that the Church asks all her members to pray for Christian unity and work to foster this unity which Christ wills for the Church (CCC 820) c. realize that the life of prayer is necessary for the individual Christian and the Christian community (CCC 2697-2699) d. understand that Jesus encouraged community prayer, Matthew 18:19; thus we gather as a community to celebrate the Eucharist and pray together at other times (CCC 1102, 1166, 2179, 2745) e. recognize that daily prayer e.g., before and after meals, before bedtime, before an automobile trip, prayer at church with the congregation, is a way of life for Christians (CCC 2659-2660) f. describe how charity is practiced in our family, parish, school (CCC 952) g. know that the practice of charity benefits the whole Christian community especially the poor (CCC 953) h. realize that Jesus calls us to mutual forgiveness, Matthew 18:22 and that forgiveness begins in the family (CCC 1657, 2227) i. know that when other children are doing something wrong or harmful to themselves or others we should tell them to stop and tell parents/teachers (CCC 1829) j. know that self respect and respect for others is a response to God s gift of creation (CCC 357, 2331) k. understand that God has entrusted to all human beings responsibility for the world and all its creatures (CCC 373) 10
will: 6. Missionary Initiation Catechesis seeks to form disciples of Christ who bear witness to their Catholic faith in society. A missionary spirit of evangelization is cultivated and nourished by the teaching and attitudes of Jesus Christ. Every means should be used to encourage vocations to the Priesthood and religious life and to awaken special missionary vocations. Catechesis recognizes that other religious traditions reflect the seeds of the Word that can allow for both interreligious dialogue and evangelization. (cf. GDC 86) a. realize that our love for the Word of God and the Body and Blood of Christ strengthens us to share our Catholic faith with others; powerful examples are great Catholic missionary saints e.g., St. Patrick, St. Francis Xavier (CCC 849, 851) b. realize that every Catholic is called to have a missionary spirit that radiates the power of Christ within us, our own Catholic faith is strengthened when it is given to others (Redemptoris Missio 2, John Paul II) c. know that, by reason of their baptism, the laity have a special place in the Church and are called to spread the Good News by their words and actions wherever they may be (CCC 897) d. realize that we grow in holiness and spread our faith through our dedicated everyday work which includes study; and we understand the dignity of human work made holy by the life of Jesus as a carpenter and teacher (Bishop Saltarelli s 2001 Pastoral Letter Holiness in the World of Work and Lumen Gentium 41) e. understand that the Holy Spirit, in order to foster the Kingdom of God on earth, calls some to the vocation of priesthood, and to different forms of consecration to God in religious and apostolic life (CCC 1583, 1974) f. realize that in the ordained priesthood a man is called to a ministry committed to the service of God s people; priests serve as co-workers with the bishop in serving the Catholic community (CCC 1551, 1562, 1578) g. grow in the awareness of the need for peace; define peace as the tranquility of order... the work of justice and the effect of charity. (CCC 2304) understand, in an age appropriate way, world hunger, world peace, human rights, sacredness of life, and the need to care for the environment (CCC 1716, 1807) h. understand that earthly peace is the image and fruit of the peace of Christ, who is our peace, as he reconciled God and man; Jesus words: Blessed are the Peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) call all to foster peace in the various situations of their lives (CCC 2305) j. realize that God desires all persons to live in peace and harmony, helping one another (CCC 1911-1912) 11
will: i. understand that the Pope, Bishops and Priests are leaders in the Church founded by Christ (CCC 880, 1554, 1591) j. realize that Christianity has roots in Judaism and that both religions share the belief that the Old Testament is the word of God (CCC 123,1096) Scripture References for Catechists/ Parents and for Stories the Children Can Tell Genesis Chapter 1 and 2:1-3 Matthew 3: 13-17 Mark 1: 9-11 Luke 3: 21-22 Acts 2: 1-4 Matthew 26: 26-29 Mark 14: 22-25 Luke 22: 15-20 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26 John 20: 19-23 Isaiah 33: 24 Matthew 9: 27-31 Mark 9: 14-29 Mark 10: 46-52 Mark 1: 29-31 Luke 8: 40-56 James 5: 13-16 Matthew 4: 18-22 Mark 3: 13-19...Creation Story (Care of the Earth)...Baptism of the Lord...Descent of the Holy Spirit...Eucharist...Gift of Penance...Lord as healer...healing miracles of Jesus...Anointing of the sick...call of the Apostles...Commissioning of the Apostles Genesis 2: 24 John 2: 1-11...God ordains man and woman to be together...wedding at Cana 12